A landmark library has won a prestigious architecture prize.

The eco-friendly Jubilee Library in Brighton beat 14 other schemes to scoop the Prime Minister's Award for Better Public Buildings.

The contest celebrates any scheme that helps build a better life for a community, recognising excellence in design quality and funding methods of public building schemes.

Presenting the award, Tessa Jowell MP, culture, media and sport secretary, said: "The Jubilee Library is a stunning piece of architecture that enhances its location, its environment and its community."

Judges said the 4,000sqm Private Finance Initiative (PFI) project scored particularly well on sustainability.

Designed by London-based Bennetts Associates and Lomax Cassidy & Edwards of Queen's Road, Brighton, the library is designed to achieve the top national environmental rating.

It uses eco-friendly materials and recycled rainwater, sunshine and sea breezes provide much of the heating, lighting and ventilation.

The judges said: "This PFI project has given Brighton a long-awaited facility which has been designed and delivered with great flair."

Since it opened last March, visitor and book borrowing figures have tripled from numbers at the temporary facility in Vantage Point, Brighton.

Katharine Pearce, library project manager at Brighton and Hove City Council, said: "The library has proved a phenomenal success with our harshest critics, our customers."

Sue John, chairwoman of the council's culture committee, said: "This is very rewarding because the prize is not just about the building but how well it serves its purpose and improves the lives of residents."

The prize is part of the British Construction Industry Awards. It is sponsored by the Government-backed Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment, and the Office of Government Commerce.

The library is also joint favourite to win an even more prestigious award to be announced tomorrow.

It is one of only six buildings in Europe to be shortlisted for the Stirling Prize - seen as the Oscar of British architecture.

As well as a judges' award, there is also a people's choice prize, based on public votes, and Brighton book lovers are being urged to phone in.

Kevin McCloud, presenter of Grand Designs, hosts the Stirling Prize at 7pm on Channel 4 tomorrow.

Library fans can support the building by calling 09011 191919 for 25p. Mobile and other network rates may vary.

Previous Stirling Prize winners have included Lord Foster's Gherkin in London and the Winking Eye Bridge in Gateshead.